PFAS: Restriction Proposal Published

The ECHA has published a restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on its Web site. The proposal covers about 10,000 PFAS, making it one of the most comprehensive regulations since REACH went into effect in 2007. National agencies in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden developed the proposal and transmitted it to the ECHA in mid-January. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin: BAuA), the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt: UBA), and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung: BfR) participated in the development of the proposal.

Their water- and dirt-repellent properties make PFAS more widespread than almost any other group of substances. For example, they are found in outdoor clothing, coated pans, cosmetics, and fast-food packaging as well as in numerous medical products like implants, catheters, and tubes. But they are just as hazardous for human health and the environment as they are useful. They have an extremely long life and accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and animals.

In the next step, the members of the ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Committee for Socio Economic Analysis (SEAC) will determine if the proposal meets the legal requirements of REACH. If it does, its contents will be scientifically evaluated. A six-month consultation will begin on March 22, 2023.

See the ECHA Web site for a complete overview of the next steps.

If you have questions about PFAS and other substances whose use is restricted, please contact us at sales@kft.de.